MCDONNOUGH COUNTY (IL) - PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICE - REVIEW OF THE ROLE AND OPERATIONS - CRIMINAL COURTS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT

• NCJ Number: 39601
• Author(s): J J CLEARY
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 27 pages
• Contract Number(s): J-LEAA-043-72
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: American University
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A 1974 REPORT OF A GENERAL MANAGEMENT REVIEW OF THIS PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICE WHEN IT WAS FIRST ESTABLISHED.

Abstract

THE MCDONOUGH COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICE SERVES OVER 36,000 PERSONS IN A 582 SQUARE MILE AREA, AND THE COUNTY IS ONE OF SIX COMPRISING THE NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT. THE CONSULTANTS INVOLVED IN THIS STUDY EXPLORED THE MINOR NATURAL INCONVENIENCES THAT ARE TO BE EXPECTED WITH THE CREATION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITY, SUCH AS THIS PUBLIC DEFENDER PROGRAM. PARTICULARLY EXAMINED WERE THE INADEQUATE OFFICE ACCOMMODATIONS, STAFF, EQUIPMENT, AND LIBRARY RESOURCES; BUDGET MATTERS; AND THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S ROLE IN AND RELATIONSHIP TO THE COMMUNITY. THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS WERE MADE FOR IMPROVEMENT: THE PUBLIC DEFENDER SHOULD BE GIVEN SUFFICIENT PROFESSIONAL LATITUDE FOR DEALING WITH HIS CLIENTS; HE SHOULD BE GIVEN DISCRETION IN HANDLING APPEALS; AND HIS COMMUNITY EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE EXPANDED. IT WAS FURTHER RECOMMENDED THAT A LAW STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM BE INSTITUTED, AND THAT THE LAW OFFICE LIBRARY BE EXPANDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)...KAP